If you’ve been eyeing the Chemex Ottomatic Coffee Maker, you’re likely already a fan of high-quality coffee and sleek, functional design. This coffee maker is designed to elevate your brewing experience, delivering the rich, full flavors that Chemex is known for. But one key component of the Ottomatic that often gets overlooked is the reservoir—the part where you add water before brewing your coffee.
So, let’s break it down! What is reservoir of Chemex Ottomatic Coffee Maker made of, and why does it matter?
What Is the Reservoir Made Of?
The reservoir of the Chemex Ottomatic Coffee Maker is made of high-quality glass, specifically borosilicate glass. This material is known for its durability and resistance to thermal shock, which makes it ideal for holding hot water during the brewing process. Borosilicate glass maintains the purity of your coffee by preventing any unwanted interactions that could alter its taste. Additionally, it does not absorb odors or flavors, ensuring that each brew is as fresh as the last.
The material of the reservoir directly impacts the quality of the coffee produced. The Chemex Ottomatic uses borosilicate glass, which helps preserve the taste of the coffee by preventing chemical leaching. Some materials, such as certain plastics and metals, can leach chemicals into the water, altering the flavor and potentially introducing unwanted elements into your brew.
With glass, especially borosilicate glass, you can enjoy a clean, unadulterated coffee flavor. Glass does not absorb any coffee residues or oils, so every brew remains fresh and true to the beans’ natural flavor profile.
Chemex Ottomatic Coffee Maker Review
Chemex Ottomatic Coffee Maker
If you’re considering investing in the Chemex Ottomatic Coffee Maker, here’s a detailed review of the machine, including its reservoir and overall performance:
Carafe
The Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 comes with the classic 6-cup carafe made from durable borosilicate glass. Its hourglass shape, inspired by lab equipment, is not only eye-catching but also practical. The wooden collar with a rawhide tie helps protect your hands from burns while pouring. If you prefer a more contemporary look, you can choose the version with a glass handle instead.
Brew Modes
The Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 is designed for coffee drinkers who want consistency and ease without the hassle of mastering manual brewing techniques. It offers two brew modes: one for hot coffee and another for iced coffee. While the iced coffee mode prevents the hot plate from activating, the actual brewing process remains unchanged. The machine automatically controls pre-infusion, water contact time, and brewing temperature, making it a perfect choice for those who want great coffee without getting too technical.
Water Reservoir
The Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 features a thoughtfully designed, transparent water reservoir. With a 40-ounce (1.2-liter) capacity, it’s large enough to brew an entire 8-cup carafe in one cycle. The level markers, shaped like the Chemex itself, help you measure water accurately. This thoughtful design ensures consistency, as the machine uses all the water in the tank during brewing.
Innovative Sprayhead
One of the most unique aspects of the Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 is its “Greedy Cup” sprayhead system (despite the odd name). The stainless steel showerhead is key to achieving a precise pour-over technique. Instead of continuously streaming water over the coffee grounds, the Ottomatic releases water in multiple pulses throughout the brewing process. This approach, starting with a pre-infusion, ensures an even extraction and maintains a consistent temperature—both crucial for brewing a well-balanced, flavorful cup of coffee.
Hot Plate Functionality
While many coffee makers offer a “keep-warm” feature, I’m usually cautious about how it impacts the coffee’s flavor. Chemex, however, claims that its hot plate will maintain the temperature of your coffee for up to 90 minutes without altering the taste or causing it to burn. While I remain a bit skeptical, I do appreciate the thoughtful engineering behind this feature.
Filters
A potential downside to the Chemex system is the cost of its proprietary paper filters. The Chemex Bonded filters are crafted from a high-quality, heavy pulp that offers superior filtration compared to standard paper filters. Pre-cleaned with oxygen to avoid chemical leaching, these filters ensure a cleaner, purer cup of coffee. While reusable filters like the Barista Warrior are an option, I highly recommend using Chemex’s filters for the best brewing results.
Included Accessories
Along with the 6-cup carafe, the Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 includes a small box of Chemex Bonded paper filters. A glass cover for the carafe is also included, which serves as an excellent alternative to the hot plate. However, my favorite accessory is the brew clip. This clever tool attaches to the carafe during brewing, improving the flow rate by creating an additional air channel. It’s a simple addition that noticeably enhances the brewing process.
Brewing Performance
The coffee made by the Ottomatic is rich and flavorful. The key here is the even distribution of water, which is controlled by the machine’s water reservoir and heating system. It eliminates the need for manually pouring water and provides a perfect brew every time. The result is a clean cup of coffee with the smoothness and clarity that Chemex is known for.
Cleaning and Maintenance
While the plastic reservoir itself is easy to clean, be mindful that the Chemex Ottomatic does require regular cleaning of the water chamber and the coffee filter holder to maintain optimal performance. Fortunately, the reservoir can be easily rinsed, and most parts of the coffee maker are dishwasher-safe for convenience.
Related: How to clean a coffee maker without vinegar?
Final Thoughts
The Chemex Ottomatic is a great option for people who love pour-over coffee but want the convenience of an automatic machine. The plastic water reservoir is easy to clean and durable, though it may not feel as fancy as glass or stainless steel. Still, the performance of the coffee maker makes up for this small detail.
If you want a coffee maker that makes delicious, high-quality coffee with little effort, the Chemex Ottomatic is a solid choice. Whether you’re making one cup or a whole pot, it gives you the perfect Chemex taste with just a press of a button.
